McLaren 720S GT3 Set for Gulf 12H Debut

Photo: McLaren

The McLaren 720S GT3 is set for its competition debut in next month’s Gulf 12 Hours following the car’s first public outing in Bahrain this weekend. 

The new-for-2019 GT3 contender will be fielded in the Abu Dhabi enduro by McLaren Automotive, with the driver lineup yet to be announced.

It comes amid an extensive test and development program for the British manufacturer’s first race car built in-house, which will continue in the Middle East following the Dec. 13-15 event at Yas Marina Circuit.

McLaren factory drivers Rob Bell, Ben Barnicoat, Paul Holton and Joe Osborne have been among the drivers involved in the program thus far.

On-track demonstration runs, meanwhile, will take place at the Bahrain GT Festival this weekend, site of the FIA GT Nations Cup and SRO GT4 International Cup.

“We’re looking forward to demonstrating the 720S GT3 at the Bahrain GT Festival, and really thrilled to be competing in the Gulf 12 Hours, which will end an exciting year for the motorsport team,” said McLaren Automotive director of motorsport Dan Walmsley.

“The 720S GT3 is the first race car designed and built by McLaren Automotive and the development team has worked tirelessly to deliver the grueling test program we devised for the car.

“We’re sure we’ll have plenty to learn during the race, and we’ll continue with testing after the event.

“This is an important product for McLaren Automotive, and therefore we have committed to ensuring that our customers receive a product worthy of carrying the iconic brand.”

McLaren will join Aston Martin in giving its 2019-spec GT3 contender its formal race debut in Abu Dhabi, with at least one example of Audi’s R8 LMS GT3 Evo also expected.

Photo: McLaren

Photo: McLaren

Photo: McLaren

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John